Big news! Isaac is sure to miss the first Premier League game + training alone. The coach emphasizes that "he has a future in Newcastle" Liverpool s sky-high purchase is in a deadlock

Eddie Howe said Alexander Isaac still has a future at Newcastle United - but the Liverpool's transfer target is currently unable to train with the team and will miss the team's Premier League opening game against Aston Villa.

Isaac recently returned to the team's training base after missing out on the entire pre-season tour of Newcastle United (Magpies), but he has been training alone while away from the team as requested by Eddie Howe.

Newcastle United reportedly rejected a offer of £110 million for the Swedish international for the £110 million basic transfer fee plus additional terms. Isaac has informed the club that he hopes to explore options to leave St James Park.

The 25-year-old striker did not participate in Newcastle United's last pre-season warm-up match (drawing 2-2 with Espanyol), and young player William Osula served as the starting center. Eddie Howe believes that Isaac is unlikely to catch up on the away game to challenge Villa Park a week later.

"I certainly hope Alex can play today and hope he can train tomorrow," the Newcastle manager said. "We really want the players to be with us - that's something that must be clear. I definitely want to see this result."

"But I don't think our current situation will change before (versus) Aston Villa."

Eddie Howe: Isaac still has a future in Newcastle

Although admitting that the current situation is far from ideal, Eddie Howe insists that he still hopes Isaac (scored 27 goals in various competitions last season) will continue to be a key member of Newcastle United's future roster.

"We've had a discussion and it's clear that we can't get him involved in the team training," Eddie Howe said.

"I don't know how long this will last. It's clear that I can't get him to join the team for training at this time."

"His training started later than the rest of the team. There was a discussion after the pre-season tour. I don't think discipline has happened."

When asked if Isaac still has a future at the club, Eddie Howe added: "The others are still here, so of course there is a future in Newcastle. From our perspective, we really hope he can return to the team, but it needs to be right to happen."

"He has no health problems. I realize there is a feeling inside the team that is something that is not conducive to the interests of the team."

Eddie Howe: Newcastle cannot refuse to sell Isaac

Isaac's contract with Newcastle United has three years left. When asked if the club could forcefully refuse to sell the striker, Eddie Howe said: "I don't think it's that simple, otherwise we would have done it long ago. I don't think we're confident enough at the moment."

"I don't want to reveal too much details because I don't think it's appropriate. I think I've said enough." The club failed to sign many potential targets (most notably Benjamin Cesco, who is about to join Manchester United, which sparked speculation that the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which owns 85% of the club's shares, is not as invested as before.

However, Eddie Howe (who admitted that Isaac's situation had disrupted the previously united team) denied this.

He said: "The bosses are very committed, as always."

"It's a challenging time, there will be a lot of different opinions on different topics, but I can assure everyone related to Newcastle United that the bosses are very supportive of the project and are struggling for the club every day."

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